Juvéderm

What Is Juvéderm?
Is Juvéderm Safe?
Where Can Juvéderm Be Used?
How Long Does Juvéderm Last?
Your Juvéderm Treatment
Precautions
Post Treatment Instructions
Questions You May Have

What Is Juvéderm™?

Recently approved by the FDA, Juvéderm injectable gel is a "next-generation" dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds-the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvéderm is made of hyaluronic acid-a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Juvéderm injectable gel employs its unique manufacturing process to provide the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any currently available hyaluronic acid dermal filler for long-lasting results. This advanced manufacturing process works to create a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel. All other currently approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are made of granular consistency gels. And, Juvéderm is the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler that has demonstrated its safety and effectiveness in persons of color.

Is Juvéderm Safe?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in all mammals that helps to hydrate and add volume to your skin. In addition to its use as an aesthetic treatment, hyaluronic acid has also been used for more than 20 years for injection into arthritic joints to aid movement as well as for eye surgeries and wound repair.

During your initial consultation, the staff and doctors of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will address any safety concerns you have regarding the use of Juvéderm.

Where Can Juvéderm™ Be Used?

Juvéderm injectable gel temporarily adds volume to facial tissue and restores a smoother appearance to the face.

By injecting Juvéderm into the mid to deep dermis (below the outer layer of skin), the appearance of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases running from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth), can be dramatically improved.

How Long Does Juvéderm Last?

The unique formulation of Juvéderm provides results that last up to 6 months or longer.

Of course, results may vary and it is best to discuss your individual case with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery during your initial consultation.

Your Juvéderm™ Treatment

No anesthesia is required for your Juvéderm treatment, although your doctor may numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The injection site will be determined by examining the appearance of the skin throughout your face and neck area. Your doctor will use an ultra fine needle to inject Juvéderm into those areas of your face and neck that appear sunken or hollow. The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes and there is minimal discomfort during or after the procedure. Most patients compare the injection to the feeling of a pinprick.

Injections may cause some discomfort during and after the injection.

Correction is temporary; therefore, touch-up injections as well as repeat injections are usually needed to maintain optimal corrections

Most side effects are mild or moderate in nature, and their duration is short lasting (7 days or less). The most common side effects include, but are not limited to, temporary injections site reactions such as: redness, pain/tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching, and discoloration. As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.

Precautions

· If you're considering treatment with Juvéderm injectable gel, your doctor will ask about your medical history to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for treatment. Juvéderm injectable gel should not be used in patients who have:

· Severe allergies marked by a history of anaphylaxis or presence of multiple severe allergies

· A history of allergies to gram-positive bacterial proteins Also note, the safety and effectiveness of Juvéderm injectable gel for the treatment of areas other than facial wrinkles and folds (such as lips) have not been established in controlled clinical studies. Other important safety considerations:

· Patients who are using substances that can prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as with any injection, may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site. You should inform your healthcare professional before treatment if you are using these types of substances.

· If laser treatment, chemical peeling, or any other procedure based on active dermal response is considered after treatment with Juvéderm injectable gel, there is a possible risk of an inflammatory reaction at the treatment site.

· Juvéderm injectable gel should be used with caution in patients on immunosuppressive therapy, or therapy used to decrease the body's immune response, as there may be an increased risk of infection.

· The safety of Juvéderm injectable gel for use during pregnancy, in breastfeeding females, or in patients under 18 years has not been established.

· The safety of Juvéderm in patients with a history of excessive scarring (eg, hypertrophic scarring and keloid formations) and pigmentation disorders has not been studied. The doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery will discuss these precautions and answer any specific questions you may have during your initial consultation.

Post Treatment Instructions

Within the first 24 hours, you should avoid strenuous exercise, extensive sun or heat exposure, and alcoholic beverages. Exposure to any of the above may cause temporary redness, swelling, and/or itching at the injection sites. If there is swelling, you may need to place an ice pack over the swollen area.

You should ask when makeup may be applied after your treatment.

Be sure to report any redness and/or visible swelling that lasts for more than a few days or any other symptoms that cause you concern.

Questions You May Have

· Are there other procedures that could be done along with Juvéderm injections to restore the full and youthful appearance of my face?
Facial implants can be used to enhance the fullness and contour of your face and neck. Complementary procedures will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery.

· Will my insurance coverage pay for my Juvéderm injections?
Juvéderm injections are considered a cosmetic treatment and, therefore, are not covered by your insurance. You are responsible for the full payment for your procedure. Cost and payment information will be discussed in detail with you during your initial consultation.